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Hua Hin, Thailand, January 16: Read what players have to say following the final round of the Asian Tour Qualifying School on Saturday.

Yikuen Chang of Korea

Yikeun Chang (Kor) – Final Round 67 (-4), Total 271 (-13)

I am feeling really excited. It’s a great way to start off the year. I am really looking forward to playing on the Asian Tour soon. It’s been a great run these two weeks. I have been hitting the ball good and I putted well too.

I think I did very well this week given the tough conditions. I look forward to the season ahead. This is the first time I have actually won a tournament. It’s definitely a great start to the year.

I am staying in the United States right now but having secured my Asian Tour card now, I might move back home to Korea.

Dodge Kemmer (Usa) – Final Round 65 (-6), Total 272 (-12)

I didn’t think I had the chance actually. I hit a good drive onto the fairway and then I hit the second shot with my seven-iron to about 205 yards before sinking a 20-footer for eagle. I didn’t have any bogeys today. I was able to manage my mistakes better today. I finally had a round with no bogeys and I got off to a great start with birdie on the first today.

It was pretty consistent. I stayed out of trouble. I was just trying to stay focused and try to make as many birdies as I can out there. It’s been a great two weeks. I have been playing better each day. This is my third time getting through the Asian Tour Qualifying School. I got through in 2013 and 2014 but last January, I had a back surgery and I couldn’t come.

Dodge Kemmer of the USA

I played on the Challenge Tour last year. I came back here this year because I really like playing in Asia. I like the golf courses here.

Malcolm Kokocinski (Swe) – Final Round 66 (-5), Total 274 (-10)

It was very good day out on the golf course. I was just being patient. I just played my game and get some fun out there. It’s been a tough week. I just try to play better each day. I am glad I managed to get my card now after missing out for the last two years. I guess I learnt from my experience last two years.

Playing on the ADT has helped a lot. I like playing on the ADT. It’s a very good platform for you to hone your skills. I managed to get into a few Asian Tour events last year as well. I am prepared for a good year ahead.

I am based in Hua Hin right now. I like it in Asia. I have been playing a lot of tournament each year and I enjoy it a lot. I have been practicing my short game prior to my campaign here. I am glad it paid off this week.

My short game was really good. I putted well and I had a chip in on fourth from 20 metres. That was the turning point for me today. I am feeling very good right now. I am looking forward to have some fun on the Asian Tour this season.

Masaru Takahashi of Japan

Masaru Takahashi (Jpn) – Final Round 63 (-8), Total 276 (-8)

I am really thrilled. I didn’t expect to play so well today. I sank a lot of putts. I think I needed only 26 putts. I had a superb round. I am really happy to secure my Tour card for the very first time after missing out for the past five years!

I was really disappointed when I missed out on my Tour card from the Asian Development Tour (ADT) last year. I thought I had a good chance of finishing inside top-five on the final Order of Merit but Phachara (Khongwatmai) won the last event and jumped up to fifth place. I thought I should have done better to save myself from that kind of situation.

My mind was set on securing the Tour card before I came here for the Qualifying School. I really wanted to get it and I think I deserved it. I played nicely all week. I am looking to play on the Asian Tour soon. Playing on the ADT over the past few years has allowed me to hone my skills and improve my game.

The ADT’s very competitive but it allows you to keep your game on a certain standard. I guess it was an advantage for me playing in the morning today when it wasn’t so windy.

Chan Shih-chang (Tpe) – Final Round 66 (-5), Total 277 (-7)

I hit my irons and wedges really good today. I didn’t putt as well as I did the last two days. I didn’t make any mistakes and I tried to take advantages of the par-fives. I was two-under through nine so it gave me a bit of cushion heading into my back nine. The conditions were still as tough today. Pin positions were difficult I thought. It was windy so you have to be very careful.

I am very happy with how I played today. The last time I played in Q-school was 2013. I actually didn’t think much coming back here again. I just treat it like another practice for me. I haven’t get to practice much before coming here because it was cold back home.

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